PNG Demand Soars in Lucknow as LPG Supply Disruptions Drive Consumer Shift
Lucknow is experiencing a dramatic surge in demand for piped natural gas (PNG) connections, driven by significant disruptions in LPG cylinder supply linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict. Green Gas Limited (GGL), the city's primary gas distributor, has received close to 6,000 applications for new PNG connections, marking a substantial shift in consumer preferences toward more reliable cooking fuel alternatives.
Daily Applications Increase Tenfold
The volume of applications has skyrocketed, with current daily submissions ranging between 150 and 200. This represents an almost tenfold increase compared to the previous average of approximately 20 applications per day before the LPG supply crisis began. In response to this unprecedented rush, GGL made the decision to keep its registration counters operational even on Sunday, March 29, to accommodate the growing number of applicants seeking PNG connections.
Current PNG Usage and Expansion Potential
Despite having an extensive existing network, PNG utilization in Lucknow remains below its full potential. The city currently has about 1.08 lakh PNG connections installed, but only slightly more than 82,000 consumers are actively using the service and regularly paying their bills. GGL officials attribute the dormant connections to various factors, including vacant properties and households that have not yet fully transitioned from LPG to PNG.
Rajkishor Behera, Director Commercial at GGL, explained the significant expansion opportunities, stating, "There is considerable scope for growth without immediate infrastructure limitations. Given the current uncertainty surrounding cooking fuel (LPG) availability, GGL has the capacity to provide up to 3.25 lakh additional PNG connections in Lucknow without requiring major new network development."
Infrastructure Development Plans
As part of its near-term expansion strategy and following directives from the state administration, GGL is preparing to strengthen its pipeline network in key areas. Over the coming two months, the company plans to lay approximately 30 kilometers of medium density polyethylene (MDPE) pipelines in the Butler Palace area. This project is expected to enable the release of nearly 10,000 new PNG connections specifically in that locality.
In Lucknow, GGL maintains a substantial 3,000-kilometer-long MDPE network that spans multiple important areas, including:
- Gomti Nagar
- Indira Nagar
- Aliganj
- Vikas Nagar
- Aashiana
- Vrindavan Yojana
- Dubagga
- Amausi industrial area
- Sarojini Nagar
- Sultanpur Road
The city currently has a total of 18.64 lakh LPG consumers, indicating substantial potential for further conversion to PNG as supply challenges persist. This shift represents a significant transformation in Lucknow's energy consumption patterns, with residents increasingly opting for the convenience and reliability of piped natural gas amid broader geopolitical uncertainties affecting traditional fuel supplies.
